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 Team News |
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Tuesday, March 14
Vulcan Cup March 11-12,2006 Birmingham
The East Ridge Express 91 U 15 girls won the Silver Division of the Vulcan Cup Red Diamond Soccer Tournament this past weekend directed by Coach Matt Yelton. The ERSA had a shut out against Stars Athletics Kirk U 15 girls from Massachusetts, winning 3-0 with goals scored by Cydney Parkes, Sarah Gawthrop with an assist from Emily Jones, and 3rd from Caroline Scales. The second game was also a shutout against the Thoroughbreds from Kentucky with goals by Caroline Scales, Caroline to Cydney Parkes, a great header by Danielle Ciabattone, a well deserved goal by Emily Jones and a successful penalty kick by Darcy Brannen making a final score of 5-0. The third game was against Tennessee rivals Diadora Lady Impact with a final score of 2-1. Goals were made by Darcy Brannen with an assist by Christina Pagnani and Emily Jones. The final match was against CSA CRASH LA. We won 3-0 with goals scored by Sarah Gawthrop twice and Christina Pagnani who still runs like a girl. The team played great soccer this weekend with a great display of foot skills, kicks, headers, running to the ball, and defensive moves. Great playing done by Natalie Brackett, Kris Cambron, Allie Conn, Taylor Davidson (only 1 goal scored), Shannon Kelly, Logan Mays (with great tumbling skills), Katie Reeves (who is everywhere), and Tayler Shelby (who will take down anyone!) Thanks to the "junior manager" Jerry for the good job this weekend. Congratulations to the girls for a good weekend of soccer. And congratulations to Matt for making it into the "inner circle".
Savannah Cup Girls Rock Soccer Tournament January 21 & 22, 2006
The East Ridge Express U15 girls won the U16 Gold Division of the Girls Rock Soccer Tournament. The first game Saturday was against the AFU Gold U15 out of Atlanta and ended in a tie 2-2. Darcy Brannen scored the first goal 3 1/2 minutes into the game and scored the second goal on a penalty kick in the second half. Emily Jones ran the ball down the field only to be robbed of the goal by the AFU keeper. Express had almost twice the shots on goal that AFU had. Good defense was displayed by Katie Reeves and Shannon Kelly.
The second game on Saturday was against another Georgia team, the U16 Concorde Fire Black. Emily Jones used the first game as a practice run and scored the first goal in this game. A nice cross from Cydney Parkes to Caroline Scales scored the second goal and the third was scored on a header by Logan Mays. Moving the ball well with well placed kicks was Danielle Ciabattone and that little red headed girl Allie Conn gave as good as she got. Keeper Taylor Davidson almost had a shutout going until late in the second half when Concorde Fire scored one goal. Final score 3-1 Express.
The first game on Sunday was against the Peachtree City Lazers and ended in a win 1-0. Keeper Taylor Davidson got her only shutout of the weekend in this game. The goal was scored by Darcy Brannen for Express. Sarah Gawthrop got alot of practice with corner kicks in this game but the Lazers defense held us to one goal. Christina Pagnani & Kris Cambron mixed it up several times with the Lazers in an attempt to move the ball down the field with Tayler Shelby and Natalie Brackett both holding their own. This was a tough game for all.
The final matchup was against the GSA Phoenix Red. After a time delay, the game finally started at 4:15 PM. The first goal was scored on a corner kick from Sarah Gawthrop to someone's leg and then to Darcy Brannen. It was pretty mixed up there at the net but the end result was what counted! Second goal was by Cydney Parkes who really deserved it after all the times she hustled down the field this weekend. Third and final goal was scored by a pass from Cydney Parkes to Logan Mays. The Phoenix scored on us once with the final matchup being 3-1. The ceremony was thankfully short so we could go on our journey to home sometime after 6:00 PM.
Thanks to Tracey Parkes for the hotel arrangements, Tony Scales for the managing, Matt Yelton for the coaching and encouragement, and to the girls for playing some awesome soccer.
Norcross Nike Cup Dec. 3-4, 2005
The Chattanooga Express began the select season in Norcross, GA playing in the championship division of the U-15 girls Nike Cup. This was the debut of Coach Matt Yelton as well as new team member,Emily Jones. The team started out Saturday morning in a dreary cold,drizzle against the Norcross Magic Gold, the GA state champions last year. Tayler S. had the dubious honor of paying goalkeeper due to Taylor D. being ill. The team fought valiantly but Magic Gold won 3 - 0.
The 12:30 game showed little improvement in temperature but the rain had stopped. This game was against AFC Lightening. Taylor D. was back in goal although not fully recovered. The first half we dominated the play with the girls adjusting to playing together again as a team and some playing in different positions. The outcome was in our favor, 4 - 1.
The 12:30 game on Sunday got postponed until 1:30 due to fiel conditions. Then we learned that the game would be settled by goal kicks because the fields were still too muddy for play. Upon arrival at the field, we learned that Vestavia 91 Blue had forfeit giving us the win.
Concorde Fire Challenge Cup February 2005
We once again journeyed south of Atlanta to Lovejoy to play against the tough Atlanta teams. Last year, goalkeeper Taylor Davidson got injured and visited a local ER. And this year was not without its injuries either.
Game 1 was Saturday at 11:00 am against DCH Strikers Royal. The fields were in poor condition with a "gentle" slope towards the goal. Sarah made a great cross in the first 2 minutes of the game which set the tone for how we were going to play. Carey quickly followed with a shot at goal that hit the top bar. Goalkeeper Taylor jumped to tip the ball for an awesome save. Rachel sailed down the field with a nice cross that was cut off by their keeper. Shots were taken by Cydney, Sarah, Caroline and Christina but no goal. The Strikers gave as good as they got and kept keeper Taylor and our defenders Katie, Danielle, and Tayler busy. Another attempt made down the field with a shot by Logan but again their defenders stopped the ball. Finally Caroline made a goal with an assist by Christina for a win of 1 - 0. The first piece nicely done by E.Mayes.
Game 2 was at 4:00 against the Lazers White again on the same field. This game was a more physical and back and forth game than the morning game. There was good pressure by Mary Adams, Katie, Shannon, Danielle, Allie, Natalie and Tayler. The girls really had to hustle to keep the ball moving with this team as evidenced by Kris, Caroline, Carey, Rachel, Cydney, Sarah, Christina and Logan. But to no avail. Keeper Taylor was kept just as busy as the other keeper and had some great kicks to boot. Danielle did some fancy footwork with kicking and several girls used their heads in this game to get the ball going - Danielle, Logan. The game ended in a tie 0 - 0. Two of our girls got hurt right at the end, Mary Adams and Katie but had waited until the game was over before anyone knew!
Game 3 was totally different viewed from the confines of the car. It was a cold, rainy, miserable day outside. The game was at 11:00 against the GSA Phoenix Red. This was another back and forth game, visibility and footing poor for the girls as they tried to get a good foot on the ball. Those on the sidelines and the keeper were trying to move and keep warm. The game ended in a tie of 1 - 1 which finished us for the day and for the tournament. Mary Adams and Katie both played despite injuries suffered the day before. The girls played 100% despite the freezing conditions and showed what true athletes they really are. Again, another great showing of the Express 91 team.
Thanks to Tony Scales for the wonderful game schedule, Tracey Parkes for the elegant accommodations, Coach Kessler for getting the best out of the girls, and to the girls for playing great soccer.
Express 91 Rules U13/14 Gold at Coastal Georgia Savannah Cup
After sleeping in Saturday, our first game was at 1:00 pm against the Jamestown Lady Jammers (U13-NC). Our girls kept steady pressure offensively during the first half taking shots on goal by Christina, Cydney, Rachel and Caroline. This team was tough and held their own with the ball going back and forth for most of the game until Sarah made an awesome kick which sailed into the goal second half. Mary Adams suffered a few hits to the head but kept on going, Natalie worked the ball keeping it in play and away from the Jammers, along with Taylor S. and Shannon. We had a hard fought win 1-0.
After a brief rest, we returned to the fields for a 5:30 game against the AUSA Freedom Silver (all together now, "FREEDOM")(U14-GA). This game turned out to be more of a challenge and quite exciting. Caroline took several shots to keep their keeper on her toes and finally connected one into the net but we were called offsides. There was some question and discussion about the call but the instant replay was inconclusive. Taylor D. and the defenders saw alot more action this game. Freedom pulled ahead with 2 goals then Natalie made a cross to Caroline and scored a goal which made it 1-2. Freedom scored again and there we were at the half, 1-3. Didn't see how we could pull this out of the hat, but the pep talk on the bench must have been inspirational. Suddenly, our defenders were everywhere and the girls were energized. No more goals for Freedom. Danielle was solid with her kicks, Allie was chasing Freedom player #4 and staying with her, seriously cramping her style, Taylor S. was in the mix, and Logan and her fresh legs ran and ran. Sarah made a corner kick to Christina who passed it off to Caroline which gave us 2 goals. Now the girls were really pumped. The third and final goal was a cross from Caroline to Christina returning the favor. We tied 3-3.
Sunday morning we played at 8:30 against Coastal GA Shockers (U13-GA). The weather had taken a nasty turn and was cold and very windy. We were also playing the local team. Although not all our parents ventured out of their warm cars initially, those that did were robust in their comments to some of the calls made by the officials. Perhaps in an attempt to stay warm. Regardless, the game was lively with no score in the first half. Our players were all over the field and at times it looked more like a game of kickball. The game came alive in the second half with the first goal by Kris from way down the field. A nice play by Mary Adams to Carey gave us the second goal. A little more team play with the third goal by Cydney to Rachel to Carey. The fourth and last goal was Cydney to Natalie. Final score 4-0.
This placed us in the final match at 2:30 on Sunday against (all together now) "FREEDOM". What a terrific final match. Thankfully it had warmed up and was less windy. This game was some of the best soccer our girls have played. What a nailbiter! Both teams gave an awesome performance and should feel proud of the match. Our girls were all over the place. Mary Adams remained in the thick of it giving as good as she got, Natalie was quick on her feet, Kris was right in the middle of it, Danielle remained steady and sure, Allie had a great game staying with her opponent, Sarah's kicks were right on, Shannon was fast and confident, Carey came out of nowhere and didn't stop, Logan didn't let anyone get by her, Christina just kept going, Cydney was a flash as she went by, Caroline kept focused on the goal, Taylor S. was determined to not let their size intimidate her, Rachel was in constant motion looking for that opening to score and Taylor D. yelled encouragement to her team and took a few hits to keep Freedom from scoring. The game ended 0-0. First 10 minute overtime 0-0. Second 10 minute overtime 0-0. Then the penaly kicks. Danielle, Christina, Mary Adams and Sarah made the kicks which won us the game and our division in the tournament.
Thanks to the girls and Coach Kesler for a great weekend of soccer.
Monday, December 13
Express 91 Wowed 'Em at Patriot Showcase Tournament
The U14 Express 91 girls soccer team got off to a great tournament season by playing up in the U15 division at the Patriot Showcase in Augusta, GA the weekend of December 11 & 12, 2004. Players and parents (and coach) alike were suprised at the level of play the girls were able to achieve. Game one was against an aggressive team from southern Ohio. Perhaps they were grouchy from traveling 10 hours, whatever the case, they tried to run roughshod over Express, but to no avail. The first goal was a great team effort from Kris to Logan to Christina and bam! we were on the scoreboard. The next was a great pass from Sarah to hustling Caroline Scales right into the goal again. The third and final goal was Caroline to Christina with Express winning 3 to 1. Our defenders got a workout this game as evidenced by the bruises as they walked off the field. Katie Reeves really threw her body into it several times this match. At times it looked more like a gymnastic team competition the way Logan, Mary Adams and Sarah were tumbling around. Taylor D. had a great second half guarding the goal and keeping the Ohio giants from scoring. The whole team had a better second half. The girls really got into a rhythm, talking to each other, passing the ball and playing some awesome soccer. A great win and start to the weekend.
Game 2 was Saturday afternoon against our hosts the U15 Lady Patriots. They were a little upset and angry due to having been shutout earlier in the day. So again it was a physical game with alot of pushing and shoving with Express landing on the ground. Natalie and Shannon used their long legs and moved the ball using good foot skills to keep the ball away from the Patriot team. Due to some unnecessary roughness, Sarah got the chance for a penaly kick and scored the first goal for us. Taylor S. and Allie had to hustle to keep away from the arms and legs of the opposing players. Rachel was in the wrong place at the wrong time (looked like she was doing her job) and got carded! Danielle was good and solid with her kicks but even she took a tumble or two during this game. Cydney, with ponytail flying, was up and down the field trying to find a way around these girls. The parents were getting anxious as the clock was running down and Christina scored a goal which gave us the lead and win of 2-0. Thanks to Kris and her parents for coming to the Saturday games.
Game 3 was on Sunday morning against the East Cobb YMCA. Like us they were undefeated, but had the shutout on Saturday so were ahead in points. These girls were big! Right Logan? Again, this started out a physical game but the referee called them right away and early on so the play cleaned up pretty quickly. The girls played hard on both teams. The ball went back and forth and up and down the field. Sarah passed to Caroline to score one for us. They had a player make a run from midfield down and it was like watching in slow motion. You knew she was going to score and she did. That tied it 1-1. Both teams fought hard but it remained a tie and the YMCA went on to the finals.
We had a good playing schedule (thanks Tony) and although we didn't always understand the playing configuration Will, it seemed to work!We can be proud of our girls and they can be proud of themselves. What a great tournament! Now lets get ready for the next one!
2004 Concorde Fire Challenge Cup
We won, we lost, we tried (tied). But that doesn't even begin to describe the weekend of February 27 & 28 in Stone Mountain, GA for Express 91. Saturday morning we won against Charlotte, SC (1-0) due to the accurate penalty kick of Sarah Gawthrop right over the goalkeepers head! Taylor Davidson got alot of action that game and kept the Charlotte team at bay along with the help of defenders Shannon Kelly, Natalie Brackett, Katie Reeves and Kris Cambron. Danielle Ciabattone made several well placed kicks which kept Charlotte hopping. Game 2 Saturday afternoon was against the dreaded Tophat Gold. Express had their work cut out for them right away as Tophat scored a goal in the first 2 minutes of the game! Then, the unthinkable happened, goalkeeper Taylor Davidson collided with a Tophat player to prevent another goal (which she prevented) and didn't get up! As she was carried off the field and on to the local ER,Taylor Shelby stepped in as goalkeeper, and the girls vowed to not let another goal go through. And they didn't! Although Tophat won the game (0-1), no team played with more heart than Express 91. Sunday morning found the girls facing the Lady Kicks from South Carolina. Taylor Davidson sat with the team on the sidelines cheering them on while Taylor Shelby once again stepped up during the first half as goalkeeper. Also stepping up to the challenge in the starting lineup was Allie Conn! Once again the team passed brilliantly, moved the ball well, and displayed great offensive moves by Mary Adams Bode, Darcy Brannen, Carey Leiper, Logan Mays hustling as always, Christina Pagnani, Cydney Parkes with ponytail flying, Caroline Scales giving as good as she got, Alisha Godwin taking her shots and Kris Cambron taking over the second half as goalkeeper. We ended in a tie (0-0). Although no trophy this time, we can be proud of the way our girls played. They stepped up when they needed too, right Coach "Wes"?
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